Wishing a fond farewell to Claudia Thomas

This month, we bade a fond farewell to our beloved Senior Manager Claudia Thomas, who completed her last day in the office on Tuesday 13 May after 13 years at the firm.

To celebrate Claudia’s time at the firm, the whole team went out for food and drinks, which Claudia described as “absolutely lovely.”

“My decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make,” she reflected. “Since having my daughter, I have considered taking time out, but the timing has never really been right. I took the plunge and notified [the firm] back in February, but even with this news everyone was so supportive.”

Born and raised in Liverpool, Claudia began her career with Butterworth Barlow as a school leaver AAT apprentice in September 2012. After completing her AAT qualification, she moved on to ACCA, becoming fully qualified in 2017 at the age of 22.

Now 30, Claudia reflects that “Butterworth Barlow supported me massively in terms of guidance on what routes to take, support with exam and study leave, paid for my exams, and even helped with certain topics I may have needed further help with. The training support has been second to none.”

Remarking on her time at the firm, Claudia said: “Working at Butterworth Barlow have been the best 13 years, I was a teenager to start and have practically grown up here! The friendships I have made I am sure will last forever. So many memories both in the office, outside the office during events and even with clients have been made and I will cherish them forever.

“I have dealt with so many lovely clients over the years who I wish all the best for the future.

“The opportunities, experience and memories I have gained over the years have been nothing short of amazing.”

Claudia likes to spend her time outside of work travelling and visiting as many holiday destinations as possible! She also loves reading and spending time with her family.

Claudia has many highlights from her time at Butterworth Barlow.

“Passing my exams and becoming qualified, tons of days out and events for celebrations. The best would have to be my surprise 10-year anniversary celebration – I was completely clueless, and they pulled it off brilliantly! A full day out of different surprises – I loved it.”

Another highlight the team will not forget is when Claudia had the entire office on a hunt for a limited-edition Dairy Milk!

Although Claudia is moving on to new exciting pastures, she will miss working at Butterworth Barlow.

“It’s such a relaxing welcoming place to work where everyone gets on and is ready to help one another. It is really a tight knit team, and I really will miss every one of them.

“Coming into the office, there is always something to catch up on, celebrate and laugh about. It’s just such a lovely place to work and I really will miss that social element. I am definitely still coming on the Christmas night out!”

Claudia’s short-term future plans include taking some time off to be with her daughter, who starts school in September, and take a gap year.

She also plans to help her husband with his own growing business – but beyond that, the world is her oyster.

“Long term, I have no idea what my future plans are right now. Who knows!”

We will miss Claudia enormously and we wish her all the best for the future!